Had he shouted ‘fire’ they would not have appeared as quickly, but as it was the kitchen was filled with people within seconds. And they were all staring. They were so used to Evie being single that the sight of her with a very attractive man in the family kitchen threw them completely.

Evie was aware she had to take charge. ‘Everyone, this is Edward. I invited him for Christmas.’

‘Why didn’t you say anything about him coming?’ asked her sister. ‘Where did you meet?’

‘In the supermarket,’ said Edward. ‘Evie was looking for agar agar.’

‘What on earth is that?’ asked Bill.

‘A vegetarian setting agent,’ murmured Donna, ‘but I’m surprised you knew about it, Evie.’

‘Anyway it turned out that Edward was going to be alone for Christmas Day so I invited him.’

‘You’d better do the introductions,’ said Diane, and Evie obliged, pleased with herself for getting all the children’s names right for once.

‘But which one is your husband?’ asked Edward when the others had drifted away again, back to their tasks, wondering about their aunt or their sister depending on age.

Evie was confused for a moment. ‘Oh, I haven’t got a husband. Those men are my brothers.’

‘Your brothers? That is good news. I assumed you were married.’

‘Did you? Why?’

‘Single women don’t usually have shopping trolleys they can hardly push,’ he explained.

Evie bit her lip. ‘I hope you don’t mind that I’m single. I would hate you to think I was trying to entrap you or anything.’

‘Mind? That’s the best Christmas present I’ve had in years.’ Edward put his arm round Evie and hugged her.

‘I think I should tell you,’ said Luke, who had come back for a second look, ‘that my Auntie Evie is a rotten cook.’

‘But I’m a brilliant one, so that’s all right.’ He looked at Evie. ‘Did you say something about a drink?’